Two-Tier Client/Server

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What Does Two-Tier Client/Server Mean?

A two-tier client/server is a type of multi-tier computing architecture in which an entire application is distributed as two distinct layers or tiers. It divides the application logic, data and processing between client and server devices.

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Techopedia Explains Two-Tier Client/Server

A two-tier client/server works when most or all of the application logic and data is hosted on a server. The client integrates with the presentation layer and accesses the server for application specific tasks and processing.

For example, the core application and data are installed at a central server. One or more client devices uses its client-end application to request data or processes from the server. The server sends the required data or performs a process to fulfill the query. In another two-tier client/server instance, such as a data backup architecture, the application access and logic may be with the client device, whereas the server stores and provides the core data.

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.